(9/2018) Gardner announces $70 Million in taxpayer savings

Changes made during the past four years have saved taxpayers close to $70 million, according to Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. The savings come primarily from three key initiatives: ending privatization that cost taxpayers more, achieving the trifecta of AAA bond ratings that brought better interest rates and saved taxpayers millions, and renegotiating agreements to give taxpayers a better deal. Renegotiating the Oakdale-Lake Linganore agreement for an interchange on Interstate 70 at Meadow Road saves county taxpayers $48 million.

"Protecting taxpayers and saving money is job #1," said Executive Gardner. "These savings make life better for people by providing for needed schools, public safety, roads, libraries and parks, while we continue to hold the line on taxes."

When Executive Gardner entered office, many customary county services, such as tree trimming and mowing along roadways, were contracted out to private businesses. Ending privatization saved more than $2.2 million. For example, an in-house renovation crew can remodel county space for about $45 per square foot less than a contractor can do the work.

Due to the county’s AAA rating from all three bond rating agencies, taxpayers have saved $13 million, primarily from refinancing county debt to lower interest rates.

The biggest savings to the county have been through renegotiated agreements. Retaining Citizens and Montevue saved taxpayers $7.5 million because these new state-of-the-art facilities were going to be sold for less than the county owed on the mortgage. As Executive Gardner promised taxpayers, the operation of these facilities has proven to be self-sustaining. Most importantly, the county is once again taking care of seniors.

A full list of the savings can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Executive.

Partner in the Arts

The Frederick County Division of Senior Services and the Alzheimer’s Association will hold the next session of Partner in the Arts, a social engagement program designed to enhance the lives of individuals living with early-stage memory loss and their care partners. Classes will meet for six consecutive Fridays, from 10 a.m. – Noon, Sept. 7 – Oct. 12, at the Delaplaine Visual Arts and Education Center, 40 South Carroll Street, Frederick. There is a fee of $10 per person for each session.

This self-expression class will be held in an open studio format for people to work independently under the guidance of artist and instructor Jim Crockett. All mediums are welcome and no experience is needed.

Participants may bring an in-the-works project or receive direction in drawing, painting and mixed media. Guided short tours of the galleries will be available, allowing participants to draw inspiration from other artwork.

The Division of Senior Services, formerly known as the Department of Aging, develops and administers programs and activities that support older adults and adults with disabilities in their efforts to remain healthy, active and independent members of the community. It also provides, coordinates and advocates for services which promote the dignity and enrichment of life for all seniors, persons with disabilities, families and caregivers.

For more information about the division, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/SeniorServices or call 301-600-1605.

Agri-Tourism Legislative Proposal

County Executive Jan Gardner today announced legislation to allow farm-based craft beverage producers to hold special events that educate the public or to promote their products.

"This proposal is an excellent way to encourage emerging industries and provide options to ensure agriculture remains viable," commented Executive Gardner. "At the same time, the legislation respects the rights of nearby property owners and addresses their concerns."

Last year, Executive Gardner formed a workgroup to come up with a solution to strike a balance between the concerns of residents and the growing demand for agri-tourism activities. The work group included representatives from the Agriculture Business Council, the Farm Bureau, the craft beverage industry, County Council members, and county Planning & Permitting and Office of Economic Development employees.

The workgroup’s proposal would amend the County Zoning Ordinance to add a definition of agri-tourism enterprise for farm-based craft beverage events. Activities would be recognized as being accessory to an agricultural property’s normal use. Owners of the properties must have already obtained a special alcohol license from the state. It would limit outdoor amplified music, not allow overnight events and provide penalties for violations.

Farm-based craft beverage vendors must also meet minimum life safety and Health Department rules and regulations.

The draft legislation was approved by the Agricultural Business Council and the Frederick County Farm Bureau. The County Council is expected to introduce the proposal next month.

For more information, contact Agriculture Business Specialist Katie Albaugh Stevens, Office of Economic Development, at 301-600-3017 or via e-mail at kalbaugh@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Rural Legacy Program Receives $3.1 Million State Grant

The Maryland Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved the FY2019 Rural Legacy Program grants, including $3.148 million for Frederick County’s Mid-Maryland Frederick-Carrollton Manor Rural Legacy Area.

"One of my priorities is to ensure we have a legacy of agriculture for the future," commented County Executive Jan Gardner. "Preserving large areas of farmland will support the long-term viability of our agricultural community. In the past four years, we have preserved 10,000 acres for a total of 60,000 acres."

Maryland’s Rural Legacy Program provides the focus and funding necessary to protect and preserve large, contiguous tracts of rich land from sprawl development. The program preserves large tracts of agricultural and forested lands by partnering with local governments and private land trust sponsors across the state who work with willing property owners to acquire conservation easements. The Maryland legislature appropriated approximately $25 million for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ program. Rural Legacy purchases conservation easements or fee simple interests in real property from willing property owners, based on Rural Legacy Plans that have been reviewed by the Rural Legacy Board.

To date, 5,669 acres have been permanently preserved in Frederick County through the Rural Legacy Program. In total, the Frederick County Agricultural Land Preservation Program has permanently preserved over 59,500 acres of land in the County.

Information about the Rural Legacy program, and about all of the agricultural preservation programs in the county, may be found by visiting www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/agpres. For additional details, contact Program Administrator Anne Bradley at 301-600-1474